Medicine Spoon
The Gibson medicine spoon.
Name/Title
Medicine SpoonEntry/Object ID
2025.1.589Description
A pewter Gibson patent medicine spoon. The top of the bowl has an opening to load the medicine with a flush cover that is closed tightly. The handle is hollow to allow the administrator to control the flow of medicine by placing a finger over the aperture.Context
Charles Gibson designed hollow medicine spoons with lids, allowing medicine to be administered to those who had difficulty swallowing or who were unable to remain still. The first Gibson spoon was invented in 1827. The first models were made of silver but in 1835 a pewter version was produced. Charles Gibson presented his invention to the Society instituted at London for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. Hc was awarded the Society's silver Isis medal for his invention. From Vol. 46 of the Society's Transactions published in 1828. ". . .In order to use it, the medicine is to be poured into the bowl, and the spoon is so to be held in the hand that the thumb may cover the hole at the cnd of the handle, and two of the fingers may press against the disk u, so as to have a firmer hold; the spoon is then to be thrust sufficiently far intoathe patient's mouth, the thumb is to be withdrawn, and the pressure of the air will immediately force the medicine out of the spoon into the patient's throat."Category
For the body - medical, beauty